11 arrests in dawn drugs raids

POLICE raids at addresses in Walton and Hersham have led to the arrest of 11 people and the seizure of cash and substances believed to be crack cocaine in one of the largest drugs operations ever seen in Elmbridge.

Officers have used powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act to apply to close a property they believe is being used in connection with the supply of drugs.

Crack is a highly-addictive class A drug, which can kill. Possession of the drug can lead to a seven-year jail sentence. Supplying the drug can lead to a life jail term and an unlimited fine.

More than 100 officers were involved in the dawn raids at six addresses in Walton, Hersham and Streatham on Tuesday and Wednesday last week. Following the seizure of what is believed to be crack cocaine, drug-related paraphernalia and cash, three women and five men were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs at an address in Westfield Road, Walton.

Police have also made arrests and searched homes in Snellings Road, Hersham, Molesey Road, Hersham, Langport Court in Walton and Hepworth Road in Streatham.

The operation followed months of research by the Intelligence Unit based at Staines Police Station, the headquarters for the North Surrey division.

Detective chief inspector Graham Hill said the operation involved information from the community and responding to this by developing intelligence and planning and co-ordinating a series of raids.

“Dismantling the supply of Class A drugs remains a priority for Surrey Police, which continues to target drug abuse and is maintaining its success in tackling serious crime,” he said. “Our dedicated divisional drugs focus team will continue to crack down on hard drugs, substances that are inextricably linked to crime and disorder and in doing so bring more offenders to court to face justice.”

DCI Hill called for the public to help the police with their work. “Drugs misuse is a community problem and information from the public is needed to report any suspicious activity, frequent callers to an address or information about an area with a high number of discarded needles,” he said.

“We appeal to the public to contact us if they have information about drugs by calling Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222, or Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Following the operation, four people have been charged, one cautioned and six others given police bail.

Joanne Rachel Painter, 23, of Westfield Road, Walton has been charged with permitting premises to be used for the supply of Class A drugs on four occasions. She will appear before North Surrey Magistrates on October 5.

Lee Andrew John Adlam, 24, of Molesey Road, Walton has been charged with three counts of supplying Class A drugs (cocaine) and one count of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs (heroin). He is in custody and will reappear before Staines magistrates on Thursday.

Rohan Gordon, 35, of Hepworth Road, Streatham has been charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs on 12 occasions and four counts of supplying Class A drugs. He will appear at Guildford Crown Court on September 29.

Judith Thom, of Snellings Road, Hersham, will appear at Guildford on the same date. She has been charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs on five occasions.